READ: Expression
"the action of making known one's thoughts or feelings"
Expressing ourselves is something we do consciously and sub-consciously.
Speaking in the moment, a glance across the room, holding a boundary, laughing, displaying empathy, hearing another person, holding out your hand to support, clearly stating no, expressing disgust, saying yes, smiling, holding court with your boss - the list goes on.
These are all ways of expressing ourselves through communication and intent.
When expressed clearly and consciously, we feel authentic. People see and hear us the way we want to be seen.
We may not get the response we want, but we'll feel we've said what we need to say and have done what we feel needs to be done.
Sometimes our expression is restricted, constrained or inauthentic - we don't flex our full range of expression in line with our values, beliefs and intentions.
This can show up as holding back when we don't want to, not telling the truth, not sharing our true feelings or needs for fear of challenge, rejection, pain or 'looking silly', or even over-speaking to 'justify' our message.
Over time, a failure to express ourselves meaningfully can lead to a lack of authenticity in the way we express ourselves and a build up of emotion that might spill out in a way that doesn't feel helpful to us.
At it's worst, this can feel like being lost in ourselves - not knowing who you are or how you want to be.
At it lesser end, it can be frustrating and cause annoyances and mis communications in conversations. A lack of clarity in what was said or agreed.
It's better to turn the tap on when you want to, rather than block it and let it pop.
When we express ourselves the way we want to, we feel better - we aren't restraining and filling up the tank (us) with unspoken and unexpressed messages and needs.
The tap should be turned on when you want to turn it out - releasing only what you want to release. No one else should turn your tap on or call the shots on how much or when you should or shouldn't share.
Expressing yourself your way, when you want, is the path to authenticity.
And it doesn't have to be big and heavy - it can be trying small, fun ways of expressing, practising new vocal tactics, asking questions of others or simply spending a bit of time with yourself and others to learn how to navigate this space.
We'll be exploring how to express yourself where it matters most at:
RESET: FIND YOUR VOICE & FIND YOURSELF. Click Upcoming events.
A 3 day retreat in the Sussex Countryside to help you re-connect with your authentic self and find routes to express yourself confidently in the world.